Sri Lanka has announced several changes to its visa policy. One of the measures is the introduction of a specific one-year visa for digital nomads.
The new visa for digital nomads
In recent years, several countries have introduced specific visas for digital nomads. Sri Lanka wants to adapt to the new times by also introducing a visa for digital nomads, with a validity period of one year. The validity of this visa can be extended before it expires. The cost of the visa is approximately EUR 421 (USD 500). In principle, family members can travel to Sri Lanka along with the applicant.
Visa requirements for digital nomads
To apply for a digital nomad visa, you must be at least 18 years old. Also, digital nomads must work for a company based outside Sri Lanka and perceive all of their income from outside Sri Lanka. Applicants must also be able to prove that they earn a minimum salary of EUR 1,700.
What are the advantages of the digital nomad visa?
The digital nomad visa allows holders to rent an apartment in Sri Lanka and work for a foreign company. They can also open a bank account and enrol their children in an international or private school. They can also use co-working spaces and participate in tourist events or ICT courses. However, they cannot work for a company based in Sri Lanka.
Are you planning to travel to Sri Lanka for holidays, business or a stopover?
European travellers must have a visa to travel to Sri Lanka. The ETA is the easiest way to comply with Sri Lanka's visa requirements. British and Irish travellers, like other Europeans, are eligible for the ETA. The application process takes place entirely online. In e-Visa.ie you can apply for your visa through an application form in Spanish. If you need your visa urgently, you can submit an urgent application. Urgent applications are usually approved within an average of 4 days. 30 minutes.
The Sri Lanka eTA has a maximum validity period of 180 days, although the maximum length of stay is 30 days. During your stay, you may leave the country once and re-enter. You may extend your visa during your stay. To do so, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office in Colombo.